Critically ill patient airlifted by RAF from Scottish island

A critically ill patient was airlifted from Orkney to a Glasgow hospital this morning by the Royal Air Force.

An A400M aircraft was deployed to transfer the patient who was initially reportedly experiencing symptoms of Covid-19.

The @RoyalAirForce continues to support those who need critical medical attention in the Scottish Islands.@DefenceHQ & @NHSOrkney @NHSScotland @scotgov are #InThisTogether https://t.co/QDbAzT9kyd

— RAF Lossiemouth (@RAFLossiemouth) April 4, 2020

It was later confirmed by NHS Orkney that the patient was not Covid-19 positive.

RAF colleagues supporting us to carry on delivering an emergency response service for the folk of Orkney. Thoughts are with the family. https://t.co/jujliiQToA

— NHS Orkney (@NHSOrkney) April 4, 2020

Iain Stewart Chief Executive Designate of NHS Orkney said: “I would like to thank our Royal Air Force colleagues for ensuring the safe transfer of a critically ill patient from Orkney to the Scottish Mainland earlier today.

“I can confirm this transfer was not Covid-19 related”.

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